BBC cancels interview after accidentally sending briefing notes to Johnson: 'Honesty is the best broadcasting policy'

BBC presenter Laura Kuenssberg accidentally sent interview notes intended for her team to former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was scheduled to be interviewed. Following the incident, Kuenssberg announced that she and the BBC team had decided to cancel the interview.

In a post on X, the experienced BBC presenter stated that while preparing to interview the former Prime Minister, she had mistakenly sent the briefing notes intended for her team to Johnson.

The presenter stated that this meant it was no longer appropriate to proceed with the interview, adding the following:

'It is a very frustrating situation and there is no point in pretending it is anything other than embarrassing and disappointing, given there are many important questions to be asked. Aside from the embarrassment, honesty is the best broadcasting policy.'

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson

'THE INTERVIEW BECAME UNTENABLE'

The BBC News Press Team also confirmed in a post on its X account that the planned interview with Johnson had been cancelled.

The post stated:

'As Laura has explained, interview briefing notes intended for her colleagues were accidentally shared with him. This makes the interview untenable. Under these circumstances, both the BBC and Johnson's team agree that this is the best way forward.'

The program, which was scheduled to air on BBC One at 21:30 TRT, was being promoted as the first major interview Johnson, who served as Prime Minister from 2019 to 2022, would give since leaving office.

Johnson was expected to address Brexit, his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the party scandal during his time as Prime Minister in the interview.

Former Prime Minister Johnson's memoir and biography, titled 'Unleashed', will be published next week.

News Source: AA